Tag Archives: Office Neighborhood Involvement

Recap: The Civic Food Mart (located HERE) has changed ownership and the new owners have want the OLCC to remove the 4 restrictions from their liquor license.1) No sale of malt beverages larger than 24 ounces2) No fortfied wines/malt beverages more than 6% alcohol3) No glass containers4) 9:30pm closing time

The OLCC has cited the reduction in crime and alcohol-related mischief since the restrictions were enforced as cause REMOVE the restrictions! The Piedmont Neighborhood Association (PNA) contends that the reason there is reduced crime and alcohol-related problems is directly related to the restrictions!!! Additionally, we’re talking about an establishment 200 feet from a kid’s playground that wants to sell high alcohol beverages in glass containers!

The OLCC will remove the restrictions unless the neighborhood responds by March 1st, 2008

The PNA has officially voiced our opposition to the OLCC removing the restrictions. However, we need you to write a letter, call, or email the OLCC and voice your opinion!

Now is the time for action folks. I strongly encourage you to get involved!

Here what the Civic Food Mart has applied for to the OLCC…

The applicant has applied for a Wholesale Malt Beverage and Wine license which allows the importation, storage, transportation, wholesale sale and distribution to licensees of the Commission, and the export of wine containing not in excess of 21% alcohol by volume and malt beverages. The license also allows the sale of malt beverages containing not more than 8% alcohol by volume in quantities not less than 5 gallons to any unlicensed organization. The licensee can not sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises.

The applicant has also applied for an Off-Premises Sales license, which allows the licensee to sell factory-sealed containers of malt beverages containing not more than 14% alcohol by volume, wine containing not more than 21% alcohol by volume or cider containing not more than 10% alcohol by volume for consumption off the licensed premises. Legal hours of sale are 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

The applicant has applied for a Full On-Premises Sales license, which allows the license to sell wine containing not more than 21% alcohol by volume, malt beverages containing not more than 14% alcohol by volume, cider containing not more than 10% alcohol by volume, and distilled liquor by the drink to patrons on the premises. Legal hours of sale are 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. The applicant’s proposed hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., seven days per week.

The applicant has applied for a Limited On-Premises Sales license, which allows the licensee to sell wine containing not more than 21% alcohol by volume, malt beverages containing not more than 14% alcohol by volume, and cider containing not more than 10% alcohol by volume by the drink to patrons on the premises. It allows the sale of malt beverages in kegs holding not less than seven gallons for off-premises consumption. Legal hours of sale are 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

I have been speaking with the OLCC about this location. They request that you send a letter of opposition directly to them. In order to get it on the agenda for the Commission Hearing in April (March is a phone meeting and therefore unavailable for our purposes), we must show significant public opposition in the absence of other statistical evidence that the restrictions need to stay in place.

Brian Borrello requested from ONI…

Could you provide us with the restrictions for Civic Mart currently in place andthose they wish rescinded.The proximity to Peninsula Park, Community Ctr,and playground warrant our close attention here.

Response…

There are currently 4 restrictions on this location.1) 9:30 closing time2) no glass containers3) no fortified wines/Malt beverages more than 6% alcohol by volume4) no sale of malt beverages larger than 24 Ounces

The owner is willing to abide by the restrictions on his hours of operation as he intends to close at 9pm, anyway. According to the OLCC investigator, he will not commit to voluntarily continuing the other three restrictions.

Mark Warrington from Portland Parks and Recreation has expressed his opposition. The Crime Prevention Coordinator, Mary Tompkins, has committed to writing a letter of opposition stating the positive impacts of the current restrictions. I will be contacting Amy Masier at the Community Center for her thoughts on the matter, as well.

PIEDMONT RESIDENTS!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT TO THIS POST IF THIS ISSUE IS OF CONCERN TO YOU!

>Piedmont Neighborhood Association Land Use Co-Chair Brian Borrello has responded to Thresea Marchetti of the Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI)…

You state: “I have received a liquor license application for a change in ownership at an existing Market in the Piedmont neighborhood area. Civic Food Mart located at729 N Rosa Parks Way has applied to maintain the Off Premises sales license which allows the sale of beer/wine/cider to go in sealed containers.”

There seems to be a difference between “maintaining” existing restrictions and “lifting” them as recommended by the OLCC state employee.

Could you please clarify this distinction?

What are the limitations currently in place, and what are being proposed?

The owners of this establishment have tried every few years to have the restrictions lifted, and we have consistently had numerous people testify against, and the restrictions subsequently have been ruled to remain in place. These restrictions are not onerous- the limitation of fortified wines and liquors’ sales/ no extended hours of operation/etc were advocated for, and we even made concessions so as not to adversely affect their business. The impact of alcohol related disturbances and crime in proximity (within 150ft) to a children’s playground, community center, swimming pool, and public parkshould not be overlooked so a business owner can maximize his profits. I think the message is and has been clear to OLCC, and to the owners, of the citizenry’s position,so why is this even being considered yet again by this state regulatory agency?

Piedmont NA will offer fierce opposition to lifting these restrictions.

Please advise as to when the OLCC hearing will be held, so we can notify all concerned community members and prepare testimony.

Like this:

>The PNA received the following from The Office Of Neighborhood Involvement.

I have received a liquor license application for a change in ownership at an existing Market in the Piedmont neighborhood area. Civic Food Mart located at729 N Rosa Parks Way has applied to maintain the Off Premises sales license which allows the sale of beer/wine/cider to go in sealed containers.

If you are aware of any existing problems or concerns at this location, please let me know by 2-23-08. Changes in ownership are typically routine paperwork; however, if there is a good neighbor agreement in place or identified problems at the location it can provide an opportunity for problem solving. If you have concerns regarding this license, please list the concerns in writing and remember they must be related to crime, alcohol, alcohol related behavior or drugs. Traffic, Parking and Trash are not considered during the licensing process at OLCC. Please let me know if you have any questions.

PNA board member Brian Borrello responded to Thresa Marchetti with the following…

We would like to see all current restrictions remain in effect with the new owners.Piedmont NA strongly advocated for existing restrictions to remain in place at the OLCCappeals hearing 2 years ago. We even negotiated some concessions with that ownerthat might have been onerous to his sales. The close proximity of liquor sales to a children’s playground and community center,as well as past alcohol-related crime and disturbances in the area were, and should be currently noted.

The ONI is receiving comments until 2008-02-28. You may contact the ONI yourself or feel free to email the PNA your comments. Email to SECRETARY (AT) PiedmontNeighborhood (DOT) comWhile it is the Board’s prerogative and responsibility to establish the official position of the association, each member has an individual right to participate in the process and to make their voice heard to regulators.